HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The holidays are upon us and one program is looking to give back to those in need. Home Instead is celebrating 20 years in Northern Alabama with Be a Santa to a Senior, a gift-giving program for older adults who may be overlooked, isolated or alone during the holiday season. Since the program’s nationwide inception in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior has more than 65-thousand volunteers, provided more than 2.2 million gifts, and shared the holiday spirit with about 8-hundred thousand older adults.
“The holidays can be hard for many older adults, especially those who may not have a companion to share them with and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact that Be a Santa to a Senior has had over the past 20 years,” said Bob Brasher, owner of the Home Instead office serving Huntsville and surrounding communities. “Gifts aside, the true value is the connection Be a Santa to a Senior makes between the community and our older neighbors.”
The program coordinators says they hope to collect 1,800 gifts for 600 local older adults. To participate, people can look for Be a Santa to a Senior trees or displays at locations around the area. Ornaments with the desired gift of an older adult will be on display and shoppers can buy the requested gift and return it unwrapped to the location with the ornament attached. These will be available until all are selected. Gifts are to be returned by November 27 and will be delivered to local older adults in time for the holidays.
Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:
- Dress Up, 920 Bob Wallace Ave. SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Edgars, 2004 Airport Rd. SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Envy Boutique, 930 Bob Wallace Ave. SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Kroger, 1101 Beltline Rd. SW, Decatur, AL 35601
- Kroger, 241 Highway 31 SW, Suite K, Hartselle, AL 35640
- Kroger, 7090 Highway 72W, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Kroger, 8404 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
- Kroger, 2110 Oakwood Ave. NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
- Kroger, 6070 Moores Mill Rd., Huntsville, AL 35811
- Kroger, 4579 Wall Triana Highway, Madison, AL 35758
- Orange Theory Fitness, 930 Bob Wallace Ave. SW, Suite 229, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Wine Cellar, 2304 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801
The Home Instead office of Huntsville and surrounding communities has partnered with local businesses, non-profit organizations, volunteers, and members of the community to help with gift collection and distribution. If you want to learn more about helping older adults in Northern Alabama visit imreadytocare.com.